Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has issued a warning to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, advising against diverting attention from the ongoing dispute over the Channel 9 area, which remains unresolved. Despite this warning, both Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai have intervened to prevent the closure of the border checkpoint by the Thai military.
According to Thai News Agency, Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari emphasized that Cambodia’s intention to escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice is separate from the current issue, which concerns the overlapping claim area whose ownership is still undetermined. Both nations have agreed to withdraw from the conflict zone, allowing the Joint Border Commission (JBC) to address border demarcation and related legal concerns. Maj. Gen. Suvari also refuted claims made by the Cambodian Prime Minister that the contested area belongs to Cambodia, clarifying that the location in question is near the Trimuk Pavilion and has never been inhabited by Cambodian villagers or soldiers.
As tensions escalate, Daily News reported that the Thai government has urged the army to remain patient despite Cambodia’s military buildup in the Chong Bok area. The Thai army’s response to the perceived intrusion on Thai territory was to announce a full closure of the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint, aiming to exert pressure on Cambodia. However, the government intervened to prevent this action, citing fears of negative impacts on border trade and Thailand’s domestic economic situation.
Furthermore, the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission (JBC) is currently engaged in discussions to resolve the issue. Reports indicate that upon learning of Thailand’s potential border closure, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Gen. Tea Sayha, directly contacted Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai to request that the border remain open. In response, Prime Minister Shinawatra instructed Mr. Phumtham to engage in talks with the military to avoid escalating tensions further.